At the time of going live we’ve been under lockdown for so long that it’s become normal. Now we’re entering into the first stage of it’s ‘easing’. Some of us have been able to get out on our bikes to run essential errands and get to work if we were deemed to be needed. Nobody has been out on track.
Then just as we are about to forget how to operate a sequential gearbox along comes the most benevolent of motorcycle deities in the form of the young and rather wonderful Mr Paul Creevey. Paul is the chief steward at Motocraft. This is the Irish company that specialises in running track events in sunnier places than here including Spain and Portugal.
This September the company are hosting a trip to Portimao. The track at Portimao is nothing short of amazing. This will be Motocraft’s second time to visit the circuit. There are 15 corners of undulating motorcycling heaven. Every lap lends itself to something new to learn especially the very last corner. It’s downhill and so long that there are a choice of lines through it. Even standing in pit-lane watching another group brings an explosion of audible sublimeness as the natural amphitheatre that the circuit sits in echoes the exhaust notes and enhances the pitch. But that’s not all, after those three days, and only a few short hours drive away another three days riding on track awaits…
Just outside Lisbon in Portugal lies an amazing piece of FIM grade 1 licence tarmac. Estoril circuit is a right-handed 4.2km circuit with 13 long corners, most very fast and two straights. The home straight being the one that even a bike journalist of limited competency can tap out a BMW S1000RR on. It really is that fast and that safe.
Valentino Rossi won five times here, Jorge Lorenzo three and Casey Stoner and Marc Marquez both been on the top step twice. The circuit is state-owned and has a capacity for 45,000 spectators. This place has to be seen to be believed. Motocraft are inviting you to snap-up one of the last few places to experience this iconic circuit.
Motocraft have now made these two tracks easily accessible. The event price includes your motorcycle transport from Ireland to and from both circuits, six days on track, eight nights hotel accommodation and all the services you may need are available at both circuits if required.
